folktale

noun

Definition of folktalenext
as in tale
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of folktale Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations. — Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Comprising more than 300 folktales and legends from northern Norway, including many from the coastal Sámi and the Skolt Sámi of eastern Finland, this anthology shares narratives told by fishers, farmers, reindeer herders, lay preachers and teachers. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 Virginia Hamilton, The People Could Fly A collection of African American folktales rooted in oral tradition—stories carried across generations, shaped by memory, resistance, and imagination. — Edwin B. Maxwell, Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026 This ecology is woven into our folktales and culture. — Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for folktale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktale
  1. tale
  2. legend
  3. story
  4. myth
  5. history
  6. romance
Noun
  • In her 2018 novel, Miller reimagines the witch’s tale as one of a woman’s becoming.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Each week, writer and producer Steve Cubine, who actually lives near the Hollywood Sign, and actress/writer Nan McNamara explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • Not merely status, but the kind of adoration that comes with song and legend.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The legend of Justin Northwest track phenom Cooper Lutkenhaus continues to grow.
    — Jim Barnes July 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • Unlike the low-tech solution in American author Mary Mapes Dodge's 19th-century story, modern dike patrols are able to plot possible problems caused by drought in an app and send it to authorities who can then quickly carry our repairs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That episode inspires a Gospel story where Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a furious storm.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Street skits satirized the myth of Modi’s tea-seller origins.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • His adventures traversing a broken land of haunted people and animals may be less the stuff of future myth and more about trauma, but Yoon brilliantly creates voices for human and canine that make both more whole.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Evander is also the fifth-fastest player to reach 100 regular-season goal contributions in MLS history — doing so in just 104 games.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • His home county Drago has a history of resistance that’s been met with police crackdowns and enhanced surveillance, researchers say – particularlyafter the county emerged as a hub of protest in the 2008 Tibetan demonstrations.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of history
Noun
  • But to your brain, romance may look less like affection and more like craving, stress, and reward.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • But now that the reception has ended, MARTA should capitalize on some locals’ new romance with transit and keep that spark alive.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of romance

Browse Nearby Words

folksy
folktale
folktales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Folktale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktale. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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